Around the world.

Rushdie To Receive Top Literary Award

FRANCE — The French government is to honor British novelist Salman Rushdie by presenting him with the country's most prestigious literary award, the French Embassy in London said Wednesday.

The Indian-born writer, who has faced a religious death sentence or fatwa since 1989 when Iranian leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini said his novel "The Satanic Verses" blasphemed Islam, will become a "Commandeur dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres" at a London presentation later in January.

The award recognizes contributions to the prestige of art and literature. It reflects Rushdie's popularity in France, where his novels and his stand against intolerance have won him many friends.

Rushdie has lived a reclusive 10 years under British police guard since the fatwa was declared.